Bunion-correcting device



June 10, 1924. 1,497,151

C. MALKIN BUNION CORRECTING DEVICE Filed Dec. 20, 1921 llvvsnlrak f. MA LK/N Patented June 10, 1924*.

CHARLES MALKIN, OF SAN FRANCISCO, GALIFQ'BNIA.

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- Application filed Decem-ber 20, 1921. I Serial No. 523,617.

treating other similar conditions involving metatarso-phalangeal articulations or oints.

Hallux valgus is a deformity in which the big toe is turned outwardly to an exaggerated degree, crowding and overlapping the adjaeent'toes. In this displaced condition the cartilaginous surface of the head of the metatarsal bone becomes inflamed from external irritation, resulting in the enlargement of the whole joint and is commonly known as bunion.

- The primary object of my invention is to provide an appliance of the character described Which will be simple in construction inexpensive, comfortable and which will gradually correct and restore the deformity to a normal anatomical relation and also remove the pressure on and irritation of the joint caused by the shoe.

Another object is to provide an appliance of the character described which is certain and reliable in its operation, will not create undue pressure on or irritation of the fleshy parts surrounding the joint, and which will not create an outward pressure on the first phalanx of the toe and thereby avoid increasing the deformity.

The invention possesses other advantages and features, some of which with the foregoing will be set forth at length in the following description where I shall outline in full that form of the invention which I have selected for illustration in the drawings accompanying and forming a part of the present specification. In said drawings I have shown one form of the construction of my invention, but it is to be understood that I do not limit myself to such form since the invention as expressed in the claims may be embodied in a plurality of forms.

Referring to the drawings:

Figure 1 represents a perspective view of the foot showing the correcting device of my invention as it would appear when in use.

Figure 2 is a top plan view of the fo t showing my device as it appears when in:

use and illustrating in dotted lines, the po.- sition of the affected parts and in full lines,

the saidparts after correction and treatment.

Figure 3 is a top plan View of the-device removed from the foot.

Figure 4 isa top plan view-of thedevice looking at the side thereof opposite to that shown in Figure 3.

According to the drawings, 1 designates a big toe cap or cot which may be made of rubber, leather or other soft and conformable material, which cot or cap is adapted to fit over the distal end of the big toe but is much shorter than the toe so that its posterior edges are spaced well anteriorly from the web and exterior end of the toe. In one side'of the cot or cap 1, there is provided a pad 2 adapted to lie between the opposite faces of the big toe and next adjacent toe, as shown in-Figure 2,

so as to prevent overlapping of the said toes. This pad 2 may be formed in any suitable manner and as shown, consists of a pocket 3 formed in the cot or cap and a filling 4 of any soft material. The ex terior end of the pad is'spaced well anrear ends is a pad 7 which pad may be formed in any suitable manner. The pad 7 and straps are so arranged that it surrounds the head of metatarsal bone posterior, as shown in the drawing or in other words, behind the bunion or commonly afiected part. The stocking or sock will serve to hold the pad 7 in the desired position and the pressure of the shoe against the pad will force the same inwardly such that the straps 5 and 6 will communicate a correcting pull or pressure to the large toe. By having the cap or cot 1 entirely covering and receiving the distal or front end portion .of'the big toe, the treating and correcting of the deformity is made more certain and reliable and the device as a .whole is rendered more comfortable to the wearer,

It will be seen that with the device arranged as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the shoe will press upon the pad 7 in such manner that the metatarsal bone will be affected so as to correct the deformity thereof and the pressure thus provided will tend to pull the big toe from the dotted line; shown in Figure 2 to the normal position. This is effected without producing an irritating pressure upon the joint or fleshy parts due to the fact that the pad 7 is positioned behind the head of the metatarsal bone and no means is provided for producing any pressure whatever against the first phalanx of the toe as is usually the case in similar devices inaking the deformity Worse.

Another feature tending to render the appliance more desirable and prevent discomfort to the wearer is the fact that the device may be made of soft, pliable material rather than of stiff rubber, or metal or other hard materials which latter often prove a source of serious trouble and dis comfort to the wearer.

I claim 1. A bunion correcting device comprising a cot adapted to extend over and receive the distal or front end portion of a big toe and having its posterior edges spaced well inwardly from the posterior end of said toe, straps adapted to extend from the rear portion of the cot on dorsal and plantar sides of the foot to a point behind the head of the metatarsal bone and a pad to which the rear ends of said straps are connected, which pad is arranged to engage at a point behind the head of the metatarsal bone of the foot.

2. A bunion correcting device comprising a cot adapted to extend over and receive the distal or front end portion of a big toe and having its posterior edges spaced well inwardly from the posterior end of said toe, straps adapted to extend from the rear portion of the cot on dorsal and plantar sides of the foot to a point behind the head of the metatarsal bone and a pad to which the rear ends of said straps are connected, which pad is arranged to engage at a point behind the head of the metatarsal bone of the foot, and a pad carried by the cot on one side thereof so as to be interposed between the great toe and next adjacent toe.

3. A bunion correcting device comprising a cot adapted to fit over and receive the distal or front of the big toe, flexible straps attached to the cot and adapted to extend rearwardly therefrom on dorsal and plantar sides of the foot and a pad of soft material to which the rear posterior ends of said straps are connected being disposed in position to engage behind the head of the metatarsal bone of the foot.

CHAS. MALKIN. 

